So You Want to Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro?

Standing 19,341 feet in height, Tanzania's Mt. Kilimanjaro is the tallest peak on the African continent. It's also a major bucket-list adventure for many travelers with thousands flocking to its slopes every year with hopes of reaching the summit.

Kilimanjaro isn't a technical climb. It doesn't require the great skill needed to summit other monstrously tall peaks, but the extreme altitude makes the mountain a significant test of strength, stamina, and perseverance. It's the height that prevents many from reaching the top, but taking the time to prepare—mind, body, and wallet—can help you reach heights you never thought possible.

ra-photos

Shape Up

Any Kilimanjaro climb involves some suffering. The trail can be steep and challenging, the days are long, and the weather is unpredictable. The higher you go, the thinner the air, making it increasingly difficult to breathe. There will be many times you'll feel uncomfortable and ask yourself why you ever signed up for this.

You can limit the pain on the mountain by being as physically prepared as possible. That means exercising and getting yourself in good condition prior to the start of the trek. Aerobic workouts, such as walking or running, will help strengthen your lungs and heart, which in turn will allow you to recover faster at altitude and make your days on the trail much more tolerable. A stronger cardiovascular system will also help you to maintain a steady pace and improve your chances of reaching the summit.

Begin your cardio workouts at least three months prior to your climb. Start slowly at first, but increase the pace and distance over time. By mixing in aerobic exercise five or six days a week, you'll soon start to feel more fit and ready to take on a mountain.

Jeff OversGetty Images

Strengthen Up

Strength training also plays an important role in getting you to the top, but don't worry that you'll need to become a serious lifter. Concentrate on lifting light weights while increasing the number of reps over time. This will build strength without adding much in the way of bulk. Staying lean will help you to remain lighter and more efficient.

Related Story

While on Kilimanjaro, you'll have a team of porters that will carry the bulk of your gear from one campsite to the next, but you will have to wear a daypack while hiking. That pack will have everything you need for a day on the trail, including food, water, extra layers of clothing, camera equipment, and more. If you're not already accustomed to wearing a heavy daypack for hours at a time, it is a good idea to start getting your body ready it. Wear a backpack while going out for a walk in the neighborhood, or better yet, on longer hikes on local trails.

Planet ObserverGetty Images

Smarten Up

It takes more than physical prep to increase your chances of reaching the top. Prior to booking your trek, you'll need to consider questions such as which route to take and how many days you want to spend on the mountain.

There are at least seven different routes that can be taken to reach the summit of Kili. Of those, the most popular is the Marangu Route, which is amongst the shortest and most crowded of all of the trails. While that route is usually more affordable, it also means you could end up waiting in line behind other trekkers at various stages of the ascent. Because it rises so quickly, there is also less time to acclimatize, lowering your chances of topping out. Some of the other routes—such as Rongai and Lemosho—are less crowded and stretch out the climb over a few extra days, giving your body more time to get used to the thinning air.

Most Kilimanjaro treks last about six days, which is actually not much time to ascend a mountain so tall. The success rate for such a climb hovers around 65 percent, meaning that more than a third of travelers don't reach the top. But if you have the time in your schedule, simply adding an additional day or two could have a significant impact on your chances of success. Climbers who spend seven days on the mountain have an 85 percent chance of summiting, while those who are there for eight days see the success rate climb to more than 90 percent.

Johnathan Ampersand EsperGetty Images

Gear Up

Between hiring guides for the trek and flying to Tanzania, a Kilimanjaro climb is an expensive undertaking. That doesn't always leave much money leftover to buy new gear for the trek, even though the equipment you take plays a major role in your success or failure. While on the mountain you'll need a surprising amount of kit, including warm base layers and jackets, rain gear, a comfortable backpack, and a good pair of boots, just for starters. If you don't already have a closet full of those items to get you through the trek, it is time to go shopping.

Related Story

Don't skimp on the quality of the gear you buy, as better equipment will pay major dividends during the climb. (The last place you want to discover your sleeping bag or rain jacket isn't performing well is on the trek itself). Buy products from reputable brands that you already trust, and if you're looking to save a few bucks, hunt for good deals online or closeout items at your local outdoor stores.

And if you're wondering what exactly you need to bring with you on your trip to Kilimanjaro, chances are the company that you're climbing with will have a complete gear list with suggestions on what to pack. If not however, we like this list from REI that includes links to purchase any items you may need to add to your collection.

Johnathan Ampersand EsperGetty Images

Pick the Right Time

While Kilimanjaro can be climbed virtually anytime of the year, it has two distinct trekking seasons that are better suited for making an ascent. Those seasons run from January to March and from June to October. If you go during the first season chances are temperatures will be a bit colder but the mountain will have less traffic as well. Some travelers are willing to deal with the lower temperatures if it means a less crowded mountain.

It is also important to note that climbing Kili independently is strictly forbidden by the Tanzanian government, which means that you'll have to hire a guide to take you to the top. Prices can range from as low as $1000 all the way up to as much as $9000, with dozens of options in between. The low cost operators tend to have very few frills and are likely to have less training, while the higher-end guide services will provide more comforts on the mountain, along with a larger, more professional staff. Which style fits your needs and budget is entirely up to you, and chances are you'll find a happy middle ground in the $2,000-$3,000 price range.

That's it. Good luck. Now get out there.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

This commenting section is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page. You may be able to find more information on their web site.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Popular Mechanics participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.